LOS ANGELES — Having struggled early in the season, it’s too late for Carlos Gonzalez to have the consistent year he was hoping for. But that doesn’t mean he can’t end it with a bang.

“The whole year last year was incredible,” said Gonzalez. “I was very consistent. In this game, you have to be consistent from day one to the last one. I haven’t done that. I guess I was just saving it for last. I hope it’s worth it.”

Gonzalez has been on fire of late with a season-high 12-game hitting streak, during which he has hit seven home runs and driven in 23 runs. He also has a nine-game streak in which he’s driven in at least one run, one away from tying Vinny Castilla’s franchise record.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.